News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Scientists sequenced 186 bone marrow biopsies from patients with smoldering multiple myeloma, identifying mutations more frequent in high-risk patients. The study also found that cell-free DNA sequencing may help monitor patients with myeloma and its precursor conditions.
A new study demonstrates techniques to track genetic changes in multiple myeloma over time using cell-free DNA found in blood. This approach potentially provides a more representative view of the disease throughout the body than traditional bone marrow biopsies.
The job outlook for Americans with disabilities remained positive in November 2017, with a 20th consecutive month of gains in the labor market. The employment-to-population ratio increased to 30.0 percent, up from 27.7 percent in November 2016.
A comprehensive atlas of gene expression in human brain cells reveals new insights into autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. The study identifies links between neural stem cell populations and neurodevelopmental disease, opening up new avenues for research.
A new harvesting method has been developed by the Massachusetts General Hospital team, which rapidly produces superior stem cells for bone marrow transplantation. The procedure, which combines GRO-beta and AMD3100 injections, mobilizes stem cells in just 15 minutes, making it less painful and disruptive for donors.
Over 5,000 heart transplants annually worldwide, with significant improvements in immunosuppression and donor sourcing. The 50th anniversary celebrates pioneers like Christiaan Barnard and Norman Shumway.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to use marijuana on a daily basis. The strongest relationship between cigarette smoking and daily cannabis use is among 12 to 17 year olds, who are 50 times more likely to be daily cannabis users than non-smokers.
A Loyola University Chicago study has identified the protein bicaudal D2, which facilitates the trafficking and nuclear import of HIV-1 genomes during infection. This finding raises the possibility of developing a drug that would prevent HIV-1 from binding to bicaudal D2.
A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.
A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that people tend to award less compensation for emotional suffering when a small economic loss is present. The researchers suggest that victims should focus on emotional losses, rather than combining them with economic losses, to receive more favorable compensati...
Midlife women are disproportionately affected by asthma due to testosterone's impact on ILC2 proliferation and airway inflammation. The study highlights the importance of sex hormones in treating respiratory diseases.
A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that patient education and transparency are crucial in getting patients to share their medical records electronically. By making patients aware of existing privacy policies and security measures, healthcare providers can create an environment where patients feel comf...
A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the molecule responsible for releasing interleukin-1 (IL-1) from immune cells. The study found that gasdermin D enables IL-1 release without killing the cell, which could lead to more potent and long-lasting vaccines.
A new study found a positive association between allopurol initiation and recurring doctor visits for gout, highlighting the need for regular chronic disease reviews to evaluate patients' preferences and eligibility for treatment. The study suggests that more frequent monitoring could reduce barriers to successfully treating gout.
A study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center led to the development of a new approach for identifying therapeutic options for cancer patients based on their tumor's genetics. Cognitive computing was used to analyze large volumes of data and identify potentially relevant clinical trials or treatment options.
A new three-year Qualitative Research Award from the Department of Defense will explore strategies used by veterans with spinal cord injury to succeed in the workplace. Researchers will compare data from Spinal Cord Injury Model System and Veterans Health Administration to identify barriers and success factors.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that higher levels of the protein CXCL5 are associated with clearer heart arteries and lower risk of coronary artery disease. Researchers believe that mimicking or increasing CXCL5 production could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for CAD.
Involving patients in their care is critical for improving medication safety, according to Regenstrief Institute researcher Joy L. Lee. A more patient-centered approach to medication safety involves understanding a patient's nuances of how they understand medical instructions and preferences.
Research suggests that workplace sexual harassment is primarily aimed at women but can affect men as well. Women tend to report more adverse effects than men, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Organizational climate and hierarchical power dynamics are key predictors of workplace sexual harassment.
A new study concludes that extended-release naltrexone and buprenorphine-naloxone are equally safe and effective in curtailing opioid use, relapse, treatment drop-out, and overdose. Researchers found similar 24-week relapse rates for both medications, with craving for opioids lower in the naltrexone group.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that isolated stem cells have a different gene-expression profile than their counterparts in the body. The study suggests that conclusions about stem cell function may need to be reconsidered due to changes in cell biology during isolation.
A research team from the University of Cincinnati has developed a consensus model of human apolipoprotein A-I, a key component of HDL, which could lead to new strategies for increasing good cholesterol. This breakthrough was achieved through collaborative effort and innovative use of indirect experimental techniques.
Scientists have identified a novel biological pathway in beige fat cells that burns excess blood glucose to produce heat, suggesting a new strategy for treating metabolic disorders. This discovery could lead to the development of anti-obesity drugs.
A neighborhood's quality has a significant impact on the number of problem behaviors displayed by children during elementary and teenage years. The study found that children living in poor-quality neighborhoods had significantly more serious behavior problems compared to those in excellent neighborhoods.
A new study by The Arnhold Institute for Global Health found that microfinance institutions can effectively distribute essential health products to rural communities, leading to improved child health outcomes. Microfinance networks were used to deliver micronutrient supplements, resulting in a significant impact on the health of childr...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that pregnant women who used an interactive website monitored by a clinical expert were more likely to vaccinate their children than those without access. The study suggests websites with interactive components can complement face-to-face clinical interactions and combat misinformation.
A new study found that TRC101, a hydrochloric acid binder, increased serum bicarbonate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic acidosis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with all adverse events being mild or moderate.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified specific neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain of mice in simulated apnea conditions. The findings suggest that PBelCGRP cells wake up the brain and are necessary for arousal, providing a potential target for interventions to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
The Earth Microbiome Project has cataloged over 27,000 samples from diverse environments worldwide, generating the first reference database of bacteria colonizing the planet. The project identifies unique microbial sequences, revealing patterns in microbial community composition across environments and geography.
A new study from Penn researchers shows that a reflexive system of the human eye also produces a conscious, visual experience that may be related to excessive light sensitivity. The findings suggest that people have brain activity and a visual experience in response to invisible light pulses that stimulate melanopsin cells.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that infliximab blocks TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing transplant rejection. They also found that stimulating ATG16L1 protects against TNF-alpha driven inflammation.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion in states leads to improved health insurance coverage and routine check-ups for low-income residents. However, very low-income residents in non-expansion states face disproportionately poor access to care.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and lethal disease with an 8% 5-year relative survival rate. Researchers at UC San Diego Health, in partnership with other institutions, have received a $7 million grant to develop new ways to prevent the disease, which comprises 3% of all cancer cases but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that mature B lymphocytes can greatly accelerate the healing of acute and chronic wounds in both healthy and diabetic skin. The treatment also improved tissue quality and reduced scarring. High numbers of a patient's B cells can be isolated through standard blood pheresis procedu...
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) has selected six promising researchers and neuroscientists to join the NYSCF - Robertson Investigators program, providing critical seed funding of $1.5 million over five years. The program supports high-risk/high-reward research that aims to accelerate treatments and cures for various diseases.
A study using noninvasive brain imaging found that simulator-trained medical students demonstrated increased cortical activity and faster completion times for cutting tasks compared to those with no training. The researchers believe this approach can objectively assess surgical skill transfer, providing a more accurate representation o...
Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.
Compliance with the 2006 EPA regulation on maximum arsenic levels led to a 17% decline in urinary arsenic concentrations among public water users, equivalent to an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder disease per year. Private well water users showed no improvements due to lack of federal regulation.
A study found that having a parent with an alcohol use disorder increases the risk of teenage dating violence. Researchers identified family dynamics in infancy and middle childhood as critical factors in the development of aggression and dating violence.
Scientists have characterized a new class of drugs that precisely block the production of toxic forms of beta-amyloid, a primary driver of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with these gamma-secretase modulators reduces levels of amyloid-beta 42 in animal models and cellular systems.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has awarded $800,000 to seven junior faculty members to support their research on healthy aging and age-related diseases. The grants will provide flexible funding for one- to two-years to advance knowledge of the aging process and its associated diseases.
Researchers identify regulatory T cells containing replication-competent virus in lymph nodes and gut, providing a strong rationale for targeting CTLA4. The discovery could help design immunotherapies to purge the viral reservoir and induce a stronger antiviral immune response.
Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute are creating an atlas of gene activity for all cells in the human spinal cord. The single-cell atlas will help researchers understand and treat spinal-cord disease and injury, including ALS.
A study by the American College of Physicians found that almost 11 million US men have oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a high prevalence among men with multiple lifetime oral sex partners and those who report having sex with men. HPV causes various cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which dispropo...
Renowned cardiologist Elazer Edelman, MD, PhD, will be recognized for his contributions to the development of coronary stents and vascular disease research. He has authored nearly 300 scientific publications and mentored over 350 graduate students.
The 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives shows that most employers have processes and practices in place for the inclusion of employees with and without disabilities. Effective practices like centralized accommodation funds are highly effective, but underutilized by many organizations.
A Stanford-led study discovered a specific mutation in the p53 gene that enhances its anti-tumor activity, creating a 'super tumor suppressor' that protects against pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that this mutant hyperactivates p53, leading to a surge of activity in downstream target genes.
A study published in Genome Research investigated the role of p53 in tumor suppression and found that no single gene serves as a backup 'second in command' to activate its functions. Instead, p53 relies on a multifunctional team of genes contributing to tumor suppression.
A long-term study found that global sensory impairment can predict poor health outcomes, including greater risk of death, in older US adults. Adults with worse sensory impairment had slower physical and cognitive abilities, and a higher risk of dying over five years.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has made a technological advancement toward accelerating the discovery of drug targets for obesity, type II diabetes and other metabolic diseases. They utilized rodent gastric bypass models, state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and an array of bioinformatics tools to begin unravelin...
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a genomic recipe in rare benign tumors that can regenerate insulin-producing human beta cells, potentially treating diabetes. The study's findings have the potential to develop new drugs that increase healthy beta cell mass.
Researchers successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to eliminate the mutated myocilin protein, which led to lowered intraocular pressure and prevented glaucomatous damage in mouse eyes. This breakthrough study could pave the way for a new therapy to treat myocilin glaucoma in humans.
Researchers found that bilingual brains rely more on native language processes when learning a new language, but learn it faster. This study supports the hypothesis that early bilingualism is beneficial for language learners in later life.
A recent study suggests that switching from cigarette smoking to vaping can lead to significant gains in life expectancy. Researchers estimate that around 6.6 million cigarette smokers could live substantially longer with e-cigarettes over a ten-year period.
A new tool using readily available data accurately estimates the 30-day mortality risk for patients admitted to the emergency department with acute heart failure. This tool can inform clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.
A new study identifies RC-101 as a potential protective agent against flu and other infections. The protein targets the virus and inflammation, improving symptoms and mortality rates in animal models.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the brain circuitry behind social reward, pinpointing oxytocin as a key player. The study suggests that oxytocin promotes sociability by binding to receptors on dopamine-secreting neurons, enhancing their firing and fostering positive social interactions.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores the contextual social and structural factors that drive disparate HIV/AIDS rates. The study found nuanced differences by gender and race/ethnicity in modes of transmission profiles across different geographic locations.
A study published in Nature reveals how the nervous system communicates with the immune system in allergic asthma, identifying NMU signaling as a key amplifier of allergic inflammation. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic insights for preventing or treating allergic asthma.